Cancer survivor Hite revels in Hoover's first regional bid since 1999

Wednesday

For 20 seconds, through sniffles, watery eyes and clearing his throat, Jeff Hite battled his emotions before squeezing out an answer.

The question was so simple on the surface.

“What does this district title mean to you?” a reporter asked the Hoover High School head baseball coach shortly after the Vikings’ district final win against GlenOak.

Then one considers the reasons this is no simple question for the 53-year-old Hite.

• He lives and breathes North Canton. He is a 1978 Hoover graduate who has spent decades teaching and coaching in the district, the kind of guy who can be found at a variety of events throughout the year supporting Hoover athletics.

• An ultra competitive guy, it bothered Hite that 14 years had passed since Hoover’s last district title. And he knew this year’s talented group of players felt the weight of expectations.

• Four years ago, Hite didn’t really know if he would live to see this day.

So what did hoisting the district championship trophy and advancing to Hoover’s first regional tournament since 1999 mean to Hite?

“A lot,” he managed in his gravelly baritone Saturday.

TOUGHEST FOE

The Vikings are preparing for Thursday’s Division I regional semifinal against Aurora. Originally scheduled for 2 p.m., first pitch has been moved to 1 because of Aurora’s graduation later that night.

The Greenmen, who enter the game at 26-4 after winning the Struthers district, should present the Vikings (22-7) their toughest challenge this season.

Hite faced his toughest opponent late in 2008.

He was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei, a rare type of cancer that usually begins in the appendix and can spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity.

In February 2009, Hite underwent a surgery that lasted more than 10 hours and removed his appendix, spleen and gall bladder. Approximately 15 pounds was removed from his abdomen.

Hite underwent a second surgery almost three years later. Detecting the presence of the condition and preventing its spread is a regular and necessary chore.

“You look death in the face,” said Hite, in his ninth season as head baseball coach after a successful tenure as Hoover’s softball coach. “You learn to truly appreciate every day that you have. I enjoy coming to the ballpark every day with these guys. I enjoy practicing with them. Win, lose or draw, I enjoy being around these guys.”

STILL COMPETITIVE

Hite says he feels fine these days. He throws BP and is basically unlimited in his coaching activities.

Perspective has been gained. His desire to win has not changed.

“I’ve always been a high-strung guy. Probably still am a little bit,” he added, smiling.

The players don’t mind.

“No one wants to win more than him, that’s for sure,” Hoover senior outfielder Brad Harcourt said. “We take that energy that he gives.”

The Vikings are a mix of baseball talent and pure athleticism.

Senior second baseman Dom Iero, a three-sport star who will play baseball at Akron next year, will go down as one of the best athletes in Hoover history.

Senior Austin Feinberg and junior Alex Binnie are football players whose speed and skill translate to the baseball field.

Junior Will Haueter is a run-producing catcher, while sophomore Jake Szendrey has emerged as the staff ace. Senior Drew Vargo has eight wins to his credit.

After losing in a district final last year, Hite knew the Vikings had the potential to achieve big things in 2013. They’ve cashed in by winning the Federal League and district titles.

“The expectations were so high for this team. Sometimes it’s very difficult to live up to those expectations,” Hite said Tuesday, thinking back on the emotions of Saturday. “I just felt a relief for the kids, not so much for me personally. Believe me, I bleed orange and black. I just think for those 17 guys, to see what they accomplished, I was just happy for the kids.”

Reach Josh at 330-580-8426 or josh.weir@cantonrep.com
On Twitter: @jweirREP

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